PARIS, FRANCE
to come soon.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
BIRTH SUPPORT ACCESSIBLE TO ALL
The Australian Doula College offers three programs to make doula support accessible to all:
The Doula Heart Network (DHN) exists since 2004 and believes that none should ever birth or die alone, and none should ever be judged or receive any less care because of their race, colour, religion, age or personal situation. The program is warmly supported by our students and members and provides support, information and education to under-privileged communities during all life transitions as well as other support services. For more information, contact the college at admin@australiandoulacollege.com.au
The Groundwork Program (GWP) works in collaboration with Family and Community Services NSW, offering individualised home education and support service to women and families. Our target group is at-risk-parents up to the age of 25 years old who are pregnant or parenting a baby/child up to the age of 2 years old. If this is your case, contact them now. I am proud to be part of the program. More info at australiandoulacollege.com.au/category/the-groundwork-program/
You can also hire a student doula for a very reasonable cost (package is only $385.00) through the college if you do not have the possibility to hire an experienced doula. More info at http://australiandoulacollege.com.au/find-a-doula/
BIRTH EDUCATION CLASSES
She Births® is the only scientifically verified childbirth education program in the world, proven to improve birth outcomes for mother and baby. Lower epidural rates (65%), caesarean section rates (44%) as well as resuscitation of babies (53%) and even shorten labour by 32 minutes. The comprehensive program, available as a weekend course or online course provides information and support for pregnancy and birth as well as early parenting. www.shebirths.com
Beer & Bubs® are birth classes specifically designed for men and fathers. It is a one-night session at the pub where expectant dads will learn how to support their partner through the birth of their baby and have a more practical understanding of their role. There is a great camaraderie and men can ask the questions they would have never asked in the hospital classes. www.beerandbubs.com
BREASTFEEDING
Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) is Australia’s leading source of breastfeeding information and support. Check out your local support group before the birth so you know who to reach to once baby has arrived. Everyone is welcome to attend, whether you are pregnant, fully breast/chestfeeding, partially breast/chestfeeding, expressing or bottle-feeding, whether you are a partner, friend or grandparent. They also offer breast pump hire, and breastfeeding classes. www.breastfeeding.asn.au/contacts/groups
Lactation consultants (IBCLCs) The International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs®) are health professionals and experts in the management of breastfeeding and human lactation. I would only recommend contacting a lactation consultant who is IBCLCs® certified. You can view the Australian and NZ directory here : https://www.lcanz.org/find-a-lactation-consultant/ to find someone in your area.
HOMEBIRTH
Homebirth NSW is a non-profit community-based organisation. Their focus is supporting homebirth families and increasing access to homebirth service in Australia. On their website you will be able to view the profiles of homebirth midwifes, get educated around the aspects of homebirth and find a local support group. www.homebirthnsw.org.au/
OSTEOPATH (BEFORE & DURING PREGNANCY & THEN WITH BUB!)
Cecile Parain, in Clovelly – Osteopath D.O, she specialises in infertility and pre-natal, pregnancy and post-natal, newborns and children treatments. Say you come from me! 0432 621 201 – https://www.bulbosteopathy.com.au/
NATUROPATH (SPECIALISED IN FERTILITY & PREGNANCY)
Jacintha Gunasekera, virtually and in Sydney is my absolute favourite. I have been working with her for years, she is so gentle and knowledgeable. www.jacintha.com.au/
PELVIC FLOOR PREPARATION & REHABILITATION
Beaches Pelvic Physio, in Dee-Why – Jenni Davies & team. An amazing Team of Physios specialised in pelvic floor care. (Read my blog article with Hannemari here). www.beachespelvic.physio/
ACUPUNCTURE
Melinda Webb, in Rozelle – Acupuncturist, Dr. Chinese medicine and Doula. 0413 287 799 – https://www.melindawebb.com.au/
PREGNANCY MASSAGE
Body Bright, in Bondi Beach – Mel is an incredible massage therapist specialised in pregnancy. She is also a Doula. https://www.bodybright.com.au/
PLACENTA ENCAPSULATION
The Australian Doula College offers placental encapsulation. More info at https://australiandoulacollege.com.au/category/placental-encapsulation/
Georgie from Tree of Life is a skilled practitioner with over 5 years experience. She services Sydney area. More at https://www.treeoflifebirthandbeyond.com.au/placenta-services.html
The Association of Placenta Preparation Arts, LLC (APPA) is an international placenta preparation training and certification (APPAC) program. Their Directory link is https://placentaassociation.com/directory-home/
Placenta Network (IPEN) is a European placenta preparation training and certification program. Directory available at https://www.placentanetwork.com/
Placenta Services Australia is a small Australian Directory only at https://placentaservices.com.au/
PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH
PANDA, has been supporting individuals and families to recover from perinatal anxiety and depression for 35 years. PANDA operates Australia’s only National Helpline that supports families affected by perinatal anxiety and depression and postnatal psychosis. Our daily contact with women, men and families affected by these illnesses gives us extraordinary insight into the complex rollercoaster journey experienced by many expecting and new many parents. PANDA National Helpline (Mon to Fri, 9am – 7.30pm AEST/AEDT) 1300 726 306. More info on https://www.panda.org.au/
The Centre for Perinatal Psychology is Australia’s only national group of psychologists dedicated to mothers, fathers, infants, couples and families during the perinatal period, which covers: Planning, Pregnancy, Postpartum and Parenting. Find a professional near you at https://www.centreforperinatalpsychology.com.au/
Sms4Dads, supports dads with short SMS tips and advice specifically for fatherhood. A good way of feeling connected with your family and on-top of your mental health too. https://www.sms4dads.com
free online ‘CPR & first aid TRAINING’ for parents
The Children’s Hospital at Westmead has developed a free online program, ‘CPR Training for Parents,’ to teach the steps involved in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for a baby (aged less than 12 months) or a child (aged over one year). Access the platform here https://kidshealth.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/cpr